Periodic Stove Maintenance: everything you need to know

The arrival of spring and the resulting rise in temperatures means that stoves and fireplaces will gradually cease to be used as they approach their summer hibernation.

Before giving your appliances a holiday, however, it’s a good idea to check the date on which to carry out the periodic maintenance so that they can be used again correctly next autumn.

Periodic maintenance, known also as scheduled or time-based maintenance, is mandatory by law and can be correctly and safely performed by following the steps that we list in this article.

We have summarised everything you need to know in this table and explain every single aspect in the following paragraphs.

Explanation of periodic maintenance and why it is required

The periodic maintenance of stoves and fireplaces and their systems can be equated to an MOT for a car. It is a comprehensive check of every component of your heating system to ensure optimum and safe operation. It is mandatory by law and helps to keep the product operating efficiently, reduce consumption, respect the environment, prolong the life of the appliance and ensure its safe use.

Periodic maintenance schedule

Periodic maintenance should be performed at fixed intervals. However, the frequency with which periodic maintenance is required may vary depending on the product model, how often it is used and the type of system.

The manufacturer indicates the periodic maintenance schedule in the use, installation and maintenance manual of your product.
The periodic maintenance for the entire Piazzetta and Superior range is indicated as yearly.

However, the UNI 10683:2022[1] standard specifies that it is the installer who decides how often periodic maintenance is performed depending on the characteristics of the system installed. The exact frequency with which periodic maintenance is required is indicated in the system manual supplied after installation has been completed.

So, when should periodic maintenance be performed on a Piazzetta product?

Every year, unless otherwise indicated by your installer, as per the system manual.
If you use the stove for extended hours, it may be necessary to perform the periodic maintenance earlier.

[1] The UNI 10683:2022 standard specifies the verification, installation, control and maintenance requirements for heating appliances with a nominal heat input of less than 35 kW fired solid biofuels.

When to perform and schedule periodic maintenance

Many websites recommend performing periodic maintenance in the summer or before lighting your stove or fireplace again in the autumn. In reality, the period in which you choose to carry out maintenance does not affect the correct operation of the product. The important thing is that it is carried out within the year or within the period indicated by the installer.

Every year, thousands of users contact our technicians requesting periodic maintenance interventions as soon as the cold weather sets in, finding themselves at the end of long waiting lists.

We advise you to contact your local technician right away and make an appointment for periodic maintenance: spring, summer, autumn or winter, any season will do to overhaul your stove.

Contact your local technician and make an appointment to avoid having problems when the time comes to light your stove again.

Is this the first you have contacted a service centre? Find the one for your area.

Who performs periodic maintenance and what it entails

Periodic maintenance must be performed by an authorised technician and the work can take from 90 minutes to 2 hours, unless unexpected problems are encountered during the maintenance work.

During this time, the technician will carry out a number of fundamental tasks to ensure the efficiency of the product. They will inspect the entire machine body, and check and clean all the components near the combustion. After checking the components most subject to wear and tear and the seals, they may recommend replacing certain parts, if deemed necessary.

For pellet stoves, a number of additional tasks are required, such as the check-up of safety and control devices, the removal of any dust and residue from electrical devices, and the inspection of electromechanical devices (with subsequent function test).

Lastly, you will be issued with the documentation proving that the maintenance has been carried out, i.e. the inspection and maintenance report and the updated system manual.

Find the technical support centre in your area.

Are you looking for information about routine maintenance for your stove? Read our article.